8.10.2009

Mini Texas Sheet Cakes

Looking for an easy dessert to feed a crowd? My No Thank You Boy proclaimed that a Texas Sheet Cake is the best cake I have ever made. It is quick to make - less than 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook - and is one of the most moist cakes you will ever taste.

The cake basically frosts itself and looks like a simple iced brownie when it is in the baking sheet. But cut it in 1 and 1/2 inch squares and add a squiggle of frosting and a couple candy stars, and the plain jane chocolate cake transforms into the star of the dessert table.

With a minimal amount of work, you can make a stellar dessert. You will be the star of any event when you bring a platter of Mini Texas Sheet Cakes.

In a small saucepan over medium heat add the butter, cocoa, and water and cook until it just comes to a boil. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Pour cocoa mixture over the flour mixture and mix thoroughly. Add the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread it evenly out. Bake for about 18 - 20 minutes or until the cake bounces bake when lightly touched. Remove cake from oven.

While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the butter, cocoa, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and then remove from heat. Whisk in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the frosting over the top and spread it out evenly. Let cool and then refrigerate for 1 hour.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator and cut into 1 and 1/2 inch squares. Top with a squiggle of frosting and decorate with candy stars or sprinkles. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

21 comments:

Ooh you made yours look so pretty. I have heard about this famous cake since I was a kid and my mom makes one once in a while but can you believe I have never made this famous cake? Gotta change that huh? I like the idea of mini, I think my mom's was huge. (and I would end up eating it all!)

Thank You Thank You! This was the star at preschool orientation, the moms where all over it, and we cut the bites even smaller for the kiddos. They were superb! You recipes are such a help. Thanks for you time you invest in your blog it really is a huge help to us!